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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Fitfluencing. My fitness journey (the short story) and 7 tips on how to be fit.

I have been actiive for many years. Growing up we were very involved on the day to day operations of the ranch especially during summer breaks. Being in shape or my weight was never an issue for me until I went to college. My freshmen year I gained weight, lost it in the summer working on the ranch then gained it right back my sophomore year despite my resolve not to. I tried some crazy diets like saltines, tea, and honey and I even tried Dexatrim. Shockingly I couldn't stick with them and the weight continued to creep up.

I HATED IT!

I did not like the way my clothes felt, I hated the way I felt. Finally the summer before my junior year of college I got smart and joined a gym. I started reading every health and fitness magazine I could get my hands on. I started running more, lifting weights, and doing kickboxing classes. On top of that I cleaned up my eating habits. The weight came off slowly but surely. I stayed active for the next 7 years by going to the gym, hiking, and running. I loved my body. I loved the muscle definition I loved how good I felt and yes I looked good in my clothes.

Then I got married, and pregnant, had a baby, moved out of town, dropped my gym membership and found myself looking for new ways to work out at home while learning how to juggle being a Mom and a wife and work. It took a little while but I found what worked for me.

1. Make yourself a priority.

You have to be able to take care of yourself if you want to take care of your family. I believe that I am a better mother because I take care of myself and it sets a positive example for my kids. If you aren't doing this for you, you aren't as likely to stick with it either. I can;t stress this enough. If you want to be fit and in shape you have to make yourself a priority.

2. Find what works for you.

I started by using my ellitpical while the baby was napping and doing a few moves with my free weights. When I got a jogging stroller I started taking my workouts outside more when the weather was agreeable. Luckily I also have a lot of family around happy to watch the kids for me while I run.

3. Don't do fad "diets".

Make lifestyle changes. Cut out sugary drinks, drink water instead. Don't like it plain? Flavor it! Eat more fruit and veggies. Watch portion sizes. You don't have to deprive yourself of the things you enjoy or eventually you may just freak out and eat the whole cake instead of one piece.

4. Use the internet!

There are so many online resources. I started getting bored with my routine a year ago and wanted a boost through the winter. I discovered Bodyrock.tv and a whole new love for working out. You have to find what works for you, if you are going to stick with it. Don't be afraid to try new things!

5. Log your workouts.

This makes it easy to track your progress and see that you are improving. It helps keep me motivated. I love looking back through my notebook even for ideas on what to do today. Sometimes I mix old workout together.

6. Find support!

It is so much easier to get your butt off the couch when you know someone is going to hold you accountable. Friends not supportive? Find some who are! Use the internet to connect with others.

7. Use the 5 minute rule.

Put on your workout clothes and tell yourself all you have to do it 5 minutes. Usually once you get started, you don't want to quit. My motto when I am feeling lazy is "I have never done a workout I have regretted, but I have regretted all the workouts I have skipped"

This is a picture of me from last May after spending the winter doing nothing but bodyweight exercises, running and using the elliptical. You can work out at home for cheap, four times a week and look good and feel good. I went on to run a PR in a 5 mile race after this picture.

HOLY FREAKING SHIT woman! :) You look amazing... no joke. My advice would be don't get discouraged when you do not see the results you want immediately. It takes TIME to build your body to how you want it.

Welcome to the gun show!!!! I love it! You look amazing!!! I like your idea of showing that you don't need anything fancy and it can be done right at home! My best advice would be to stick with it! Rome wasn't built in a day!

I would add that you have to find something that you truly enjoy to do. If you hate running, you won't stick with it. If you dread exercise videos, you won't stick with it. Some people find one thing that they love and that works, some people have to keep it mixed up... but I always tell people to find something you enjoy, whether it is running, spinning, swimming, classes, videos, whatever. It's hard to get your but out of bed early to do something you do enjoy... it is really hard to get out of bed early to do something you don't.

And I completely agree about putting yourself FIRST. In order to take care of other people, we need to make sure that our needs are attended to. Maybe this is because of our nursing backgrounds...but it is so true with all aspects of life.

wow! You look amazing! I work out at home too - probably my biggest challenge is eating. I eat well in general, but I snack a lot with the kids - unnecessary calories when I'm not even hungry! I need to be more disciplined...

I always knew you were ripped but ohhhhh mytyy gooodnesss! You have better arms than My boyfriend. Don't tell him I said that! What an inspiration you are! And to think you popped kids out of that ripped body! You are amazing!

Great post! I always tell people no diets! Eating right and exercising is the way to go. Everyone wants a quick fix and there is no such thing. It is hard work so you just have to make the choice and do it! A workout buddy is a plus too :)

OMG - what weights were you using on those arms girl?! yowza! lol Christy you are so awesome. Great tips I agree /w them all! especially loggin your workouts....and/or even food. I don't log food so much anymore but that's b/c I work out enough that I stay the same :P lol

Holy Moly! If I wasn't inspired by the words you wrote I'd be inspired by the picture. You are ripped! Loved what you wrote and agree with everything you said. Make yourself a priority because in 20 years your kids will be so thankful that you did!

You look amazing!!! I love that you stress the point of what you have been able to do working out from home and with kids - I feel like people use those two things as excuses ALL.THE.TIME. I also love putting yourself first - it is so important and it puts you in a better position to be a better wife and mother. What I would add - schedule it!

Fantastic tips! I so love a good gun show too! I think you nailed the most important thing in #1 YOU MUST MAKE YOURSELF A PRIORITYI finally did that when I started running longer distances. It became what I did/who I was and I ran like it was my job and loved every minute of it.

You look great Christy! My advice for a newbie would be....when you are sitting on the couch wondering if you should go for a run...you could have already been out the door running. Don't hesitate, do it! You will be glad you did!

Great to see the results you can get from body weight exercises. I was just looking at a book by Mark Lauren on that topic. Much easier to work in to your day than going to a gym, and still can get some awesome results if you try hard enough!

Would you be willing to share what exactly the bodyweight exercises you used were? We have cut the gym from our budget and are looking to stay in shape!! you can shoot me an email if you want, or leave a comment on my blog! I would really appreciate it!